The US convenience stores (c-stores) industry is one of the world’s largest and fast growing sectors that present lucrative investment opportunities for new players. C-stores have greatly benefited from the growth of overall retail industry and continues surge in oil prices. The expanding size of working population has also supported sales and boosted the overall industry developments. Besides, increasing consumer appetite for convenient shopping and soaring sales of low priced non-traditional products have had positive impact on the US c-stores industry.
According to our new research report “U.S. Convenience Stores Market Outlook to 2013”, the overall sales of convenience store (c-stores) industry registered an impressive growth of around 8% in 2008 despite the economic slowdown and constituted around 14% of the total retail sales in the US. In 2009, the industry suffered marginally due to the effects of financial turmoil and sales saw downturn amidst sharp fall in fuel prices and weak consumer spending. However, the industry showed some encouraging signs of improvement in late 2009 and a strong recovery is inevitable in 2010.
The total c-store sales include motor fuel sales and in-store sales. Motor fuel sales made up for 72.1% whereas in-store sales accounted for approx. 27.9% in the total c-store sales during 2008. The c-store industry is dominated by single store business or franchise. At the regional level, Southern US states continue to lead the c-store industry.
While the c-store has made strong headways in terms of sales and expansion, the individual store profitability primarily depends on its location and product mix. Large companies have advantages of buying gasoline at bulk prices, but small companies can compete effectively by having superior locations. Moreover, the average annual revenue per worker stands over US$ 300,000 for both large and small companies, one of the highest as compared to other industries.
“U.S. Convenience Stores Market Outlook to 2013” provides conceptual analysis and extensive research on the convenience store industry in the US. It facilitates quantitative as well as qualitative trend analysis of the past and current industry scenarios and provides a clear future direction in which the industry is likely to proceed. The report also covers the regional and state level analysis of the convenience store industry in the US to help clients understand the market dynamics. Report also covers information about leading industry players to give a complete analysis of competitive landscape.
